WASHINGTON, D.C. — Rumors are swirling across social media that the federal government will issue new stimulus checks or “tariff dividend” payments before the end of 2025 — with claims that Americans will soon see $1,400 to $2,000 appear in their bank accounts via IRS direct deposit. But before you start planning how to spend … Read more
For nearly a century, that pale-green paper check bearing the U.S. Treasury seal stood for more than money — it represented security, trust, and continuity. And until recently, the federal government was ready to retire it forever. After September 30, 2025, the Social Security Administration (SSA) had declared it would end all paper benefit checks, … Read more
While the Social Security Administration (SSA) has confirmed that all beneficiaries will receive the same 2.8% Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) in 2026, not everyone will see the same dollar increase. Because the percentage boost applies to each person’s base benefit, retirees in states with higher average payments will receive larger increases in absolute terms. And as … Read more
As inflation continues to strain American households, particularly seniors on fixed incomes, millions of retirees are looking to the federal government for relief. On October 24, 2025, the Social Security Administration (SSA) confirmed that benefits will rise 2.8% in 2026 — a standard Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) designed to help offset inflation. But for … Read more
Amazon is preparing to return billions of dollars to U.S. customers after agreeing to a record-breaking $2.5 billion settlement with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) over deceptive Prime subscription practices. The deal, finalized in October 2025, resolves years of allegations that Amazon used “dark patterns” — manipulative website design techniques — to make it confusing … Read more
When the federal government shut down on October 1, 2025, anxiety rippled through the country. Federal employees braced for missed paychecks, parents feared lapses in childcare subsidies, and retirees — more than 71 million Americans who rely on Social Security or SSI — asked the same urgent question: Will my benefits stop? The short answer: … Read more
If you’ve seen social-media posts claiming Panera Bread is handing out $6,500 checks to anyone who shows a receipt — pause before you click. The viral headline stems from a real class-action settlement, but the details circulating online twist the facts. Here’s the accurate breakdown of what the Panera Bread Data Breach Settlement covers, who … Read more
For millions of Americans, the start of November brings a familiar question: When will my SNAP benefits arrive? The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) — the nation’s largest food assistance program — continues its regular electronic benefit transfers (EBT) this month, serving more than 42 million people nationwide. But November 2025 also ushers in something … Read more
Millions of American families depending on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) faced weeks of uncertainty this month after the federal government shutdown disrupted the normal flow of benefits. Although the White House pledged that funds would be restored within 24 hours of reopening the government, administrative backlogs and complex state-level systems caused payment delays … Read more
There are moments when political theater meets the kitchen table — when policy becomes personal. President Donald J. Trump’s latest proposal to give every low- and middle-income American a $2,000 stimulus check, announced on Truth Social earlier this month, is one of those moments. Framed as a “tariff dividend,” the plan would redirect revenue from … Read more